Veiðivötn Hut and Campsite

A remote sanctuary in Iceland’s central highland plateau, Veiðivötn sits beside a striking cluster of crater lakes—perfect for anglers, wanderers, and wilderness lovers alike.

‍

At a Glimpse

• Location: On the F‑228 highland route between Landmannalaugar and the Hrauneyjar / Sprengisandur roads, about 20 km from Hrauneyjar. Drivers need a high‑clearance 4×4 vehicle, with two river crossings to navigate before reaching the campsite.
• Season: Open annually from roughly mid‑to‑late June until about September 20th.

‍

What’s on Offer

Despite its remote location, Veiðivötn offers a surprisingly decent level of comfort for highland camping:

• A flatter gravel camping area—ideal for tents or camper-vans
• Basic WC facilities situated near the cluster of simple huts
• Drinking water available in designated points (from filtered springs or river sources)
• Limited cell coverage (3G for many Icelandic networks), though no power hookups or shower facilities onsite
• Camping/walking permission and day‑use “veiði‑permit” cards are sold at Skarð farm, Landmannahellir hut, or Landmannalaugar mountain hut—no pre‑booking  needed for the campspot itself.

‍

Why Camp Here?

1. Pure Highland Beauty

The site is nestled among about 50 black‑sand crater lakes formed during the catastrophic eruption of Bárðarbunga in 1477. Majestic yet minimalist, this landscape delivers uncluttered views into infinity. Trails (like the 16 km #28/29 loop) offer everything from mirror‑flat pools to sweeping views over the Tungnaá River below.

2. Top‑Tier Fishing

Veiðivötn is world-renowned among anglers—teeming with brown trout and Arctic char, some dating back to the last Ice Age. Fishing licenses are strictly limited and often sell out by early July.

3. Wild Seclusion

This place has no crowds even in August. At sunset, you might find yourself alone with full lake reflections—except for mosquitoes and maybe a distant raven. The silence is profound.

‍

‍Nearby Hut Access & Alternatives

While there’s no full-service warden or fuel station at Veiðivötn, several mountain huts nearby offer options in case you want indoor stays or access to showers:

Landmannahellir hut~15 km via F‑228/F‑229. Managed by FÍ; book beds online.

‍Sveinstindur hut (Útivist)~35–40 km southwest, near Langisjór. Smaller, quieter; ideal for pre‑booked hikers or as backup.

‍

Pro Tips Before You Go

• Vehicle advice: Stick to the marked road and avoid off-road detours. River crossings can be deeper after rain—even in August.
• Pack-in essentials: Bring your own cookware, matches, first-aid kit, and trash bags. There’s no trash collection onsite.
• No pets inside hut areas—dogs must be tethered and kept away from nesting areas.
• Night quiet: Observers ask guests arriving after 1 AM to be silent—it’s their hope you roam quietly through the vastness.

‍

In Summary

Veiðivötn Hut & Campsite is perfect if your heart beats for:

• Empty highland mornings
• Lone glacier-shadowed lakes
• Epic trout nibbles on a rod tip
• Night skies so dark they feel pre-Hitchcock
• The kind of camping where nature writes its own story—and lets you leave no trace

If it’s solitude and craters-on-stilts you’re after, Veiðivötn just might be your Icelandian dreamscape.

‍